If you’re a cycling enthusiast or just someone who loves watching intense sporting events, then you’ve probably heard of Paris-Roubaix. It’s one of the oldest and toughest one-day races in the world, known for its cobblestone sections that make it a true test of a rider’s skill, endurance, and grit.
So what is the route of Paris-Roubaix? Let’s take a closer look.
The race starts in Compiègne, a town located about 80 kilometers north-east of Paris. From there, the riders cover a total distance of around 250 kilometers before reaching their final destination in Roubaix.
The first section of the race takes riders through some scenic French countryside as they make their way towards the first set of cobblestones. These cobbles are located near Troisvilles and are known as the “secteur pavé de Troisvilles”. They cover a distance of around 2.2 kilometers and are rated as three stars on the difficulty scale.
After this initial taste of cobbles, riders will continue on to tackle another 28 sections throughout the race. Each section varies in length and difficulty, with some being relatively smooth while others are incredibly bumpy and difficult to navigate.
One particularly challenging section is located near the town of Arenberg. This 2.4-kilometer stretch is lined with rows of tall trees that create a dark tunnel effect for riders as they make their way through it. The cobbles here are also particularly rough and uneven, making it difficult to maintain speed or even stay upright.
Another notable section is located near Mons-en-Pévèle. This stretch covers a distance of around 3 kilometers and includes some steep climbs that can be especially grueling for riders who have already covered more than 200 kilometers by this point.
Throughout the race, riders will also encounter several short climbs and descents, as well as long stretches of flat terrain that can be just as challenging due to the headwinds or crosswinds that are common in this region.
Finally, after hours of grueling effort and countless bumps and bruises, riders will arrive in Roubaix. The finish line is located at the famous Roubaix Velodrome, where riders will complete a final lap before crossing the finish line and (hopefully) collapsing in exhaustion.
In conclusion, the route of Paris-Roubaix is one of the most challenging and demanding courses in all of professional cycling. With its numerous cobblestone sections, steep climbs, and unpredictable weather conditions, it truly tests a rider’s skill and endurance like few other races can. Whether you’re a fan of cycling or simply appreciate the incredible feats of athleticism on display during this race, there’s no denying that Paris-Roubaix is one event that truly deserves its place among the world’s great sporting spectacles.